The pancreas, located behind the stomach in the center of the abdomen, extends into the left side of the abdomen. It is connected to the first part of the intestine, the duodenum. The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid food digestion and help to regulate blood sugar. 

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Abnormal Function in CF
In CF, the altered transport of electrolytes across pancreatic tissues leads to abnormal production of digestive enzymes. Decreased production of sodium bicarbonate makes pancreatic secretions dehydrated and thickened, blocking the pancreatic ducts. Despite these blockages, the pancreas continues to make more enzymes required for food digestion. These abundant enzymes damage the pancreatic tissue, eventually leading to fibrosis of the pancreas until it is no longer able to produce enough enzymes to properly digest food. 

Vitamin Deficiencies  Vitamin A Visual and skin changes Vitamin B12 Anemia  Vitamin D Bone abnormalities  Vitamin E Neurological problems  Vitamin K Blood clotting problems

The impaired absorption of fats causes diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition, but supplemental pancreatic enzymes can help with digestion of fats and reduce diarrhea. Approximately 80 percent of CF patients develop pancreatic insufficiency.

Pancreatitis
Pancreatic duct blockages can lead to pancreatitis, an inflammatory process that can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients who have intact pancreatic function tend to develop pancreatitis more commonly than those patients who have pancreatic insufficiency. However, pancreatitis is uncommon, occurring in less than 10 percent of patients.